Repentance from Sin:

Although the phrase "repent of your sins," never occurs in the Bible, it is certainly not unbiblical to do so.  If you take two points from this discussion of repentance, they are this:  sin is not the automatic or intrinsic object of repentance, and in verses dealing with eternal salvation, sin is never even the implied object of repentance.  But one can repent of their sins.

For example, Jonah was commanded to "go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before me."  (Jonah 1:2)  The wickedness of the Ninevites was widely known to the surrounding peoples.  To demoralize their enemies in war, they skinned men alive and left them to die as an example to others.  When they repented over their "wickedness," God spared the city.  However, that "repentance from sin" had nothing to do with personal salvation.  It had to do with whether or not God would destroy the city for is "wickedness" (verse 2).  The same is true today.  One who drinks and drives need not repent of his sins to receive God's gift of salvation, but he does need to do so to preserve his temporal life here on earth!  If such a person does not repent he will surely die.  Repentance from sin is essential for Christian growth and sound Christian living.

But the Scriptures never remotely suggest that repentance from sin is a requirement for eternal redemption through Jesus Christ.  God grants us eternal life freely through the blood of his Son.

• Repentance from sin has been necessary for certain nations to avoid his temporal judgment. 
• Repentance from sin may be a way for an individual to avoid God's discipline.
• Repentance from sin is certainly necessary to avoid the natural consequences of sin.  If one who "drinks and drives" does not repent of their sins, they will surely regret it one day.  They are driving to disaster.  This is true whether the are saved or lost.  Driving and drinking don't mix.
• Finally, repentance from sin is certainly necessary if we hope to hear the words of commendation "well done good and faithful servant" by our Creator.

Nevertheless, Scripture never presents repentance from sin as a requisite of God for securing the benefit of eternal salvation, which is the gift of God.

Repentance from Sin